Syracuse Crunch captain Mike Angelidis unwrapped a present from Tampa Bay on his 28th birthday Thursday - a new contract.

The veteran forward and the Lightning agreed to a one-year, two-way deal that will return the forward to the Syracuse lineup in 2013-14.

Or maybe even a step up.

"We think he's a guy who could make our team coming out of camp next year. He's come a long way,'' said Lightning assistant general manager Julien BriseBois. "I wouldn't have said that in the past. We know what he brings to the table.''

In Syracuse, Angelidis first and foremost brought a winning attitude. He was captain of Norfolk's Calder Cup team in 2011-12 and carried over expectations of success that helped push the Crunch to the Finals this season.

Angelidis tallied 11 goals and 13 assists and was an invaluable example of toughness and grit as a checking-line forward and penalty kill anchor. He has also improved his skating to the point that BriseBois sees him ready for an expanded role in the NHL. Angelidis has seven games at that level, six with Tampa Bay two seasons ago and one last year.

Angelidis was an unrestricted free agent who couldn't talk to other teams until July 5. His quick signing before that window opens indicates the level of eagerness both sides had to get a deal done.

"I love the organization,'' Angelidis said from his home in Toronto. "You can't beat the management. You can't beat the owner. They are nothing but the best. Right now, it's a winning organization. I've gotten better as a hockey player because of the organization.''

The Crunch fell to Grand Rapids in the Finals in six games. Afterwards, Angelidis patiently answered questions with eyes framed by teary-red sockets. A little more than a week later, it's clear that sting hasn't faded.

"I'm still upset about it. People ask me what happened,'' he said. "It's tough. It's something you can use as motivation.''

BriseBois said he's been talking to the agents of the team's other unrestricted free agents, but had no updates on their status. He said it was a happy coincidence that Angelidis' contract is the one that got done first.

"I think it's fitting that our captain ends up being our first signing of the off-season,'' BriseBois said.